Soursop
(Annona Muricata)
Also called graviola, soursop is an evergreen broad leaved tree whose every part
is useful, the fruit is a large, spiny, green tropical fruit, extremely
delicious with a sharp aroma and a sweet-sour taste which is basically a
combination of the taste of pineapple and strawberry that is the basis for
several beverages, ice creams and other sweet foods. Beyond its usefulness as a
food, however, soursop also contains natural compounds with medicinal
properties, making it potentially beneficial for your health.
The graviola tree, or Annona muricata (scientific name) is a plant which belongs to the family Anonaceae, produces the sweet soursop fruit, also called custard apple, paw paw or, in many Spanish-speaking countries, guanabana. A fruit that has its origin in the forests of South America, Africa and Southeast Asia... Recently, it has gained attention and popularity due to its natural cancer cell killing properties. Apart from its anti- cancer properties, it has several other medical benefits.
The graviola tree, or Annona muricata (scientific name) is a plant which belongs to the family Anonaceae, produces the sweet soursop fruit, also called custard apple, paw paw or, in many Spanish-speaking countries, guanabana. A fruit that has its origin in the forests of South America, Africa and Southeast Asia... Recently, it has gained attention and popularity due to its natural cancer cell killing properties. Apart from its anti- cancer properties, it has several other medical benefits.
They are widely grown in southern Nigeria known for their
succulent white endocarp. The fruit-pulp is soft with an agreeably sour flavour. It is
usually eaten raw but unfortunately contains a quantity of fibre. It may be
more acceptable after some preparation, that is either as juice, ice-cream,
jellies but not jams. The tree reaches a height of 25 or 30 feet and produces large fruit that may reach a length of 12 inches. Although its rind is quite
bitter, the fruit's flesh is soft, smooth and sweet, and provides carbohydrate as its major nutrient.
Soursop also contains abundant vitamin C and several B vitamins such as
thiamin, riboflavin and niacin, along with calcium, phosphorus, protein, sugar, fatty acids, dietary fiber, magnesium,
manganese, potassium chloride and a small
amount of iron.
It also contains many bioactive compounds and
phytochemicals, such as alkaloid, citric-acid, malic-acid, stearic-acid,
stepharine, tannin, vinblastine, etc.
Parts
Used
In natural medicine practice, all parts of the
soursop tree are used as medicine, including the roots, barks, stems, leaves,
fruits and the fruit-seeds. Each part of the tree has long been shown to have
different therapeutic properties.
Therapeutic
Properties
Generally, it is known that soursop has a broad
spectrum antimicrobial, antispasmodic, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, analgesic,
anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, astringent, cardio tonic, diuretic, emetic,
galactagogue, immunity boosting, laxative, liver tonic and sedative.
Besides these activities, the main interest in this
plant is because of its strong anti-cancer or anti-tumour properties and
effects.
Health Benefits of Soursop Fruit Juice
Nigerian researchers have used the fruit juice of Soursop to stop diarrhoea in children and adults. The study, titled "Use of Soursop and Sweetsop Juice in the Management of Diarrhoea in Children", was published in Journal Diarrhoeal Disease Resident by Dr. Ifeoma B. Enweani of the Department of Microbiology Faculty of Natural Sciences, Edo State University, Ekpoma, Edo State.
Soursop fruit or the fruit juice can be taken to
prevent or treat cancer and also diarrhoea.
Nigerian researchers have used the fruit juice of Soursop to stop diarrhoea in children and adults. The study, titled "Use of Soursop and Sweetsop Juice in the Management of Diarrhoea in Children", was published in Journal Diarrhoeal Disease Resident by Dr. Ifeoma B. Enweani of the Department of Microbiology Faculty of Natural Sciences, Edo State University, Ekpoma, Edo State.
The fruit juice was able to resolve the diarrhoeic condition at 48 hours. This conforms to the report that at 48 hours 42 per cent of the diarrhoeic patients treated with smectite were free from diarrhoea. Zinc available in the juice had been reported to bring about significant reduction in intestinal fluid loss. This suggests that Soursop juice can be used as, a complementary source for Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) in the management of diarrhoea in children and adults. This could reduce morbidity and mortality rate in children, especially in the developing nations.
Health Benefits of Soursop Leaves
Soursop leaves are the most beneficial parts of this tree.
They have the Acetoginin containing
compounds namely bulatacin, asimisin and squamosin. Acetoginin acts as an anti- feedent. Thus, they are
often used in killing insects and pests which die by consuming these leaves
even in small amounts. Scientific research conducted by The National Cancer
Institute has proved that Soursop leaves can effectively attack and destroy
cancer cells. In addition to this, they are also used in the treatment of
several other diseases.
Soursop leaves are rich in several compounds including
protein, calcium, fructose, fat, vitamins A and B and the like. Thus, the
leaves have excellent medicinal properties making them usable as an ingredient
in several herbal health products. The health benefits of soursop leaves are as
follows.
- Treatment of Cancer:
Soursop leaves can inhibit cancer cells and cure cancer more
quickly and effectively than chemotherapy which results in several side effects
besides being expensive. In fact, research has proved that soursop has an
active ingredient that is 10000 times stronger than chemotherapy in fighting
cancer cells. Thus, soursop leaves can treat different types of cancers
including prostate, lung and breast cancers. For treatment, boil 10 soursop
leaves in 3 cups of water until only one cup of water remains, strain and cool
it and drink this concoction every morning for 3-4 weeks to determine
improvement in the condition. Soursop leaves cancer treatment is one of the
most potent cures till date.
- Treatment of Uric Acid:
Eating soursop leaves can greatly help in treating gout. In
fact, many alternative medicines use soursop leaves for the treatment of gout.
For this purpose, take 6 to 10 soursop leaves which are old but still green and
wash them clean. Boil the leaves in 2 cups of water and simmer until one cup of
water remains. This concoction should be taken twice a day i.e. morning and
evening for maximum benefit
- Treatment of Back Pain:
Back pain is commonly experienced these days, particularly
while exercising. Using chemical drugs for back pain can cause side effects.
Soursop leaves are an effective herbal remedy for treating back pain without
any negative effect. You can boil 20 pieces of soursop leaves in 5 cups of
water until only 3 cups of water are left. Drink ¾ cup of this concoction once
in a day for relief.
- Treatment of Eczema and Rheumatism:
Rheumatic diseases are commonly observed in elderly people,
causing great pain. Soursop leaves are a natural treatment for arthritis pain.
For this purpose, mashes the soursop leaves until they become smooth and apply
on the areas of the body affected by pain due to arthritis and eczema,
regularly twice a day.
- Treatment of Diabetes:
The limit of normal sugar levels ranges from 70 mg to 120
mg. The nutrients in soursop leaves are believed to stabilize blood sugar
levels in the normal range. Besides, the extracts of soursop leaves can be used
as one of the natural diabetes remedies. All this makes these leaves beneficial
for diabetics.
- Boosts the Immune System and Prevents Infections:
The nutrient content of soursop leaves is believed to boost
the immune system and avoid infections in the body. Boil 4/5 soursop leaves in
4 cups of water until one cup water remains and drink this concoction regularly
once in a day for beneficial results.
Other Benefits:
In addition to the benefits mentioned above, soursop leaves
are extremely effective in inhibiting the growth of bacteria, virus, parasites
and tumor development. Their healing properties make them capable of being used
as an anti-seizure medication. They are also capable of reducing fever and
lowering high blood pressure. They help in treating inflammation and swollen
feet. They aid in digestion and improve appetite. Soursop leaf consumption on a
regular basis helps in improving stamina and facilitating quick recovery from
diseases.
Skin Benefits of Soursop Leaves:
Due to their medicinal properties soursop leaves are extremely beneficial for health. As pointed out earlier, they are used in the treatment of some of the deadliest diseases. The leaves offer some skin benefits as well.
- Treatment of Boils:
Ulcer is a skin disorder that is characterized by immense
pain and even has the risk of catching infection. Boils can occur on the body
or on the face, thus interfering with your skin health and beauty. Soursop
leaves are a natural remedy to cure ulcers. You can pick some young soursop
leaves and place them on the body affected by ulcers.
- Treatment of Eczema:
As already stated earlier, soursop leaves can treat eczema
in a natural way. You can mash a few soursop leaves and apply it on the
affected areas twice a day regularly. This will help in alleviating the pain
caused by eczema besides treating it.
A pulp made with fresh soursop leaves and rose water when
applied on the skin can be very useful in preventing the occurrence of
blackheads and other skin problems too.
Hair Benefits of Soursop Leaves:
- Get rid of Lice:
Body massage Benefit of Soursop
Leaves:
In some rural communities, infused oil prepared from the
fresh leaves and unripe fruit of soursop is mixed with olive oil or virgin
coconut oil and used externally for massaging in cases of arthritic/rheumatic pains,
gout and neuralgia.
Caution
Soursop has been found to be a potent uterine stimulant.
Therefore, it should be avoided during pregnancy.
High doses of the infusion (tea) or decoction may cause
nausea and vomiting.
Presently, the plant has not shown any recorded drug
interaction.
However, those taking prescription antihypertensive and
antidepressants drugs are advised to be careful with soursop, because it may
potentiate these drugs.
References:
